Tequila is a very hot spirit right now. From blancos to reposados and more. The world of tequilas is a big as the bourbon world and keeps growing.

This list of Tequilas, are ones that I have tried over the years and recommend. All of these are also additive free, meaning no caramel coloring, no glycerin, no oak extracts and no sugar based syrups.

Recommended

Best Budget Tequila Brands

Blanco tequilas, are tequila at its most basic level. A blanco tequila can be rested upto 60 days. Yet in most cases, a blanco goes from a stainless steel tank, to the bottle you purchase it in. Skipping the resting and aging process is why some blancos can have a bite that some may find off-putting Blancos are typically made to be mixed, yet there are some better for mixing and some better for sipping and/or shots. 

Still Strength tequilas, are a blanco tequila (usually) that is of a higher proof. Normally, blanco is 80 proof. While still strength can go up to 110. Still Strength is can make blanco cocktails even better. For still strength tequila recommendations, click here!

Reposados are tequilas that have been rested from 2 to 12 months. This tequila is the most common variation that is drank in Mexico. Yet using a reposado in a blanco cocktail recipe can really enhance a drink, such as margaritas. 

Anejos are tequilas that have been aged in oak barrels from 1 to 3 years. Any wood barrel can be used in this aging process however, the most common used are american whiskey barrels and french oak barrels. This gives anejos their vanilla and brown sugar flavours that you usually get in bourbon. Anejo is meant to be sipped. Rather that is neat or on the rocks is up to you. Yet, if you are a bourbon and or whisk(e)y drinker that likes mixed cocktails, I implore you to try substituting the bourbon for an Anejo tequila or Extra Anejo. It can give cocktails a whole new punch!

Extra Anejo is a tequila that has a requirement to be aged for a minimum of 3 years. It can also be rested in more than one type of barrel before it is bottle. Which can lead to some unique taste in this spirit. Extra anejos are considered high end tequila because of this and the prices usually reflect as such. This spirit has the most complex flavours, color tone and aromas than any other tequila. The profiles of extra anejos can be compared to that such as cognac and fine aged whisk(e)y.

Joven tequilas are a blend of blanco tequila with a reposado or anejo tequila

Cristalino is fairly new to the world of tequila. Yet is has gained a huge popularity at an incredible rate. To make this tequila, a reposado or anejo is filtered through charcoal to remove the tannins. This removes the color tones to resemble a blanco while keeping the flavour of a rested and/or aged tequila. Personally, I don't much care for this type of tequila.

Honorable Mentions

More Honorable Mentions

• Milagro

• Milagro Select Barrel

• Soledad

• Tenoch

• La Pulga (no additives)

• Aguasol (no additives)

• Number Juan

• Cantera Negra (no additives)

• Southbound - Anejo